More commonly known as St Barts, the picturesque island of Saint Barthélemy stands out among the long list of sun-soaked Caribbean isles. You may have heard of the famous Maho Beach on the neighbouring island of St Maarten, where jets take off and land just metres above the sand, but did you know that St Barts also has its own aviation claim to fame? At 650 metres, the St. Jean airport is home to one of the shortest runways in the world. Aside from the thrill of arriving by air, there are plenty of other reasons to visit St Barts, from strolling the cobblestone streets of Gustavia to exploring the vibrant underwater world of Saint Barthélemy Natural Reserve. Ready to plan the trip of a lifetime? Check out our top luxury vacation rentals in St Barts.
A Sea of Color
A Sea of Color, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
Less than a five-minute drive from the airport, you can be out of the plane and in a private pool in no time. Set on a hillside above the ocean, this one-bedroom villa is the perfect hideaway for a couple. You’ll be treated to spectacular sea views wherever you are, from the moment you wake up to brushing your teeth at night. Our favourite spot is the terrace, which looks out over the bay and the lush green cliffs surrounding the home. Spend all day here curled up with a book on the sofa or working on your tan on the loungers. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner under the gazebo before a late-night swim – the pool also happens to be a lovely spot for stargazing.
The Sunspark
The Sunspark, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
Just a stone’s throw from Flamands Beach, this villa is all about the views. The multi-level terrace is the highlight of the home, with a delightful plunge pool and a great selection of chill-out areas. This is the place to be for alfresco breakfasts, long sunbathing sessions and cocktails at sunset. But that’s not all – you’ll also find an outdoor hot tub with blissful views of the greenery. Slide open the glass doors and step into a bright and breezy lounge, its plush sofas providing the perfect spot for a quick siesta. Whip up home-cooked meals in the fully-equipped kitchen and gather around the table in the open-air dining room for dinner with a sea view. With three spacious bedrooms to choose from (each with access to the terrace), the home is ideal for a family or group of friends.
The Colour of Love
The Colour of Love, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
Drive up into the hills of Petite Saline and you’ll find this impressive West Indies villa. As soon as you arrive, your eyes will be drawn to the splendid ocean and mountain views. The outside area was designed to make the most of these vistas, with an ocean-facing pool and plenty of seating – our favourite being the hanging egg chair. There’s even an outdoor bar where you can get together at sunset and sip cocktails. Step through the French doors and into the large open-plan lounge and kitchen. This is the heart of the home, where you can gather around the kitchen island or enjoy movie nights. Meals are best enjoyed outside on the terrace, where a large dining table doubles as the perfect spot for board games. When it gets to bedtime, you won’t have to fight over the en-suite bedrooms as each one is beautifully dressed and offers dreamy views.
The Reefkeeper
The Reefkeeper, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
For those travelling with a large group, this seven-bedroom villa is one of the best luxury vacation rentals in Saint Barthélemy. Set across three levels, this home was designed to maximise the sea views. Enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows, each of the rooms look out at the turquoise waters of Anse des Cayes – we love how the calming, white-washed interiors don’t take away from the vistas. The home was made for entertaining, with a sizable dining room and a lounge that leads out onto the patio. The kitchen even features an outdoor breakfast bar by the pool, so you can get your daily laps in before grabbing a healthy breakfast. It’s all about breathing in the fresh sea breeze here, with each floor having its own terrace, offering plenty of places to steal away a quiet moment to yourself.
Crystal Cane
Crystal Cane, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
Tucked away in the hills of Lurin, this stylish, four-bedroom villa is another fantastic option for a large group. There’s plenty of space to spread out, and the lounge is a real highlight with its round dining table and plush sofas. Open the folding doors and let the outside in, drinking in the sea views from the comfort of the sofa. You can also gather in the open-plan kitchen, with its cool water feature. Once you’ve let your food go down, fit in a workout in the home gym before jumping into the pool to freshen up. Each bedroom has access to the terrace, with the two main bedrooms located in separate bungalows, guaranteeing extra privacy.
A Rose in Bloom
A Rose in Bloom, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
One of the best reasons to visit St Barts is for its laid-back, romantic atmosphere. It’s the ideal destination for a honeymoon, and this one-bedroom home is the perfect love nest. Nestled in the hills above St Jean Bay, the villa boasts breathtaking sea vistas. Whether you stay snuggled up in bed or enjoy a luxurious soak in the standalone bath, you don’t have to leave the bedroom to admire the view. When you get hungry, cook a delicious breakfast in the sleek kitchen before stepping onto the terrace to enjoy your fare alfresco. The rest of the day is up to you – check out the shops and restaurants in St Jean or stay home, taking relaxing dips in the private infinity pool and making the most of the sun-trap garden. At sundown, pour a cool drink and make your way to the intimate seating area looking over the bay – it doesn’t get more romantic than that.
Sun On The Island
Sun on the Island, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
With an open-plan living area and three breezy bedrooms, this villa is the ideal choice for a group of friends or family. As much as we love the bright interiors, we think the expansive garden is one of the best on our list of luxury vacation rentals in Saint Barthélemy. Enclosed by mature trees for full privacy, there's a variety of places to unwind, whether you want to read a book in the hammock, catch some sun on the loungers or take it easy in the shade under the gazebo. When it gets too warm, cool off in the swimming pool that looks out to sea – with nothing but the sound of birdsong and the wind in the trees, this is the place to be zen. At sunset, follow the steps up to the plateau for magnificent views. When you feel like exploring the island, you're just under a ten-minute drive from St Barts' famous Shell Beach, a picturesque cove with powdery white sands and calm, clear waters. This is an excellent spot for snorkelling, which is one of the top activities on the island.
Blue Moon Hill
Blue Moon Hill, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
Located on the island's north coast, this five-bedroom villa is the ultimate seaside retreat. Set above the bay of Lorient, we love the open-sided rooms and large doorways and windows that let in as much natural breeze as possible. We're also charmed by the interior design. It's a bit different than what you'd expect from our Saint Barthélemy luxury vacation rentals, but the terracotta floors, wooden beams and vintage furniture create a warm and welcoming feel. The unique layout means that the bedrooms are spread across the estate, offering full privacy when you need a quiet moment away from the group. That doesn't mean there's no room to socialise, though – challenge your loved ones to a game of tennis on the private court, break a sweat in the gym or watch the chef in action at the breakfast bar. Eat all your meals on the sun-soaked terrace, where you'll find a generously-sized infinity pool and whirlpool facing the Caribbean.
Oceanic Oasis
Oceanic Oasis, Plum Guide home in Saint Barthélemy
Last but not least on our list of luxury vacation rentals in Saint Barthélemy is this stunning four-bedroom villa. Step through the main entrance and into your very own oasis, complete with swaying palms and uninterrupted views of the sea. As well as an inviting pool, there’s also an expansive lawn for kids to play on, while the gazebo provides much-needed shade when the sun gets too warm. Although there’s an ultra-modern kitchen inside, you may be tempted to cook all your meals at the barbecue station – with those vistas, how can you resist? Even when you’re indoors, huge glass windows make the most of the views, so that you can gaze at the glittering blue whether you’re unwinding in the living room or snuggling up in bed.
